CHM 151: General Chemistry I Syllabus and Study Guide Overview

Course Overview

General Chemistry I: Fundamental Principles

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts and laws of chemistry, providing a basis for further study in chemistry and related sciences. The curriculum covers measurement, atomic and molecular structure, periodicity, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gas laws, and solutions. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental chemical laws and concepts necessary for success in subsequent chemistry courses.

• Course Code: CHM 151

• Credits: 4 (3 lecture, 3 lab)

• Prerequisites: None

• Co-requisites: None

• Required Textbook: Chemistry: The Central Science, 15th Edition, by Brown et al.

• Required Lab Kit: CHM-151 Science Interactive Lab Kit (ID # LP-5215-CK-01)

Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental chemical laws and concepts.

• Apply appropriate mathematics to solve real-world chemistry problems.

• Interpret and analyze natural phenomena using chemical principles.

• Communicate scientific information effectively in written and oral forms.

• Utilize the scientific method to analyze and solve problems.

Major Topics Covered

Core Chemistry Topics

• Measurement: Understanding units, precision, and accuracy in chemical experiments.

• Atomic and Molecular Structure: Exploring the composition and arrangement of atoms and molecules.

• Periodicity: Examining the periodic table and trends among elements.

• Chemical Reactions: Identifying types of reactions and balancing chemical equations.

• Chemical Bonding: Investigating ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.

• Stoichiometry: Calculating reactant and product quantities using balanced equations.

• Thermochemistry: Studying energy changes in chemical reactions.

• Gas Laws: Understanding the behavior of gases and their relationships.

• Solutions: Analyzing properties and concentrations of solutions.

Assessment and Grading

Evaluation Methods

Students are assessed through a combination of quizzes, homework, lab lessons, competencies, self-reflection forums, and a final exam. The grading policy is as follows:

Assessment Type	Percentage of Final Grade
Lecture Quizzes	40%
Homework	10%
Lab Lessons	25%
Competencies	5%
Self-Reflection Forums	5%
Final Exam	15%

Grading Scale:

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	90–100%
B	80–89%
C	70–79%
D	60–69%
F	Below 60%

Laboratory Component

Lab Techniques and Procedures

The laboratory portion is completed through at-home experiments using the required lab kit. Students must submit lab reports by the designated deadlines. The lowest lab report grade is dropped, and no make-up labs are allowed.

• Read lab instructions prior to performing experiments.

• Complete all portions of the lab lesson and submit reports on time.

• Follow safety protocols and instructor directions.

Course Policies and Tips

Success Strategies for General Chemistry

• Keep up with assigned textbook readings and review chapters before lectures.

• Attend all lectures and lab sessions, and participate actively.

• Prepare for lab meetings by reading lab reports and understanding experiments.

• Complete homework and assignments promptly; avoid last-minute work.

• Seek help from tutors or the instructor during office hours if needed.

• Regularly check email, Moodle, and Mastering Chemistry for updates.

• Maintain academic integrity; avoid unauthorized collaboration or use of AI tools without permission.

Mathematical Operations and Functions

Application in Chemistry

Mathematics is integral to solving chemistry problems, including calculations involving stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution concentrations. Students should be proficient with scientific calculators and understand the following types of equations:

• Stoichiometry: Calculating moles, mass, and volume using balanced equations.

• Gas Laws: Applying relationships such as Boyle's Law, Charles's Law, and the Ideal Gas Law.

• Solution Concentrations: Determining molarity and percent composition.

Example Equations:

• Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT$

• Molarity: $M = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}}$

• Stoichiometry (mass-mole conversion): $\text{moles} = \frac{\text{mass (g)}}{\text{molar mass (g/mol)}}$

Attendance and Participation

Online Course Requirements

• Regular participation in online activities is required for attendance.

• Students must complete the Enrollment Verification Quiz within the first ten percent of the course.

• Failure to participate for 14 consecutive days will result in withdrawal from the course.

Academic Integrity and Student Conduct

Policies and Expectations

• All submitted work must be original and completed individually unless otherwise specified.

• Use of generative AI tools is prohibited without explicit instructor permission.

• Violations of academic integrity policies will result in disciplinary action.

Additional Resources

Support and Accessibility

• Library computers, campus Wi-Fi, and laptop loan programs are available for students.

• Accessibility services are provided for students with disabilities.

• Non-discriminatory policies ensure equal educational opportunities for all students.

Summary Table: Key Course Components

Component	Description
Lecture	PowerPoint presentations, textbook readings, quizzes
Lab	At-home experiments, lab reports, Science Interactive Portal
Homework	Mastering Chemistry assignments
Competencies	Online questions, must be passed for course credit
Final Exam	Comprehensive, online, replaces lowest quiz grade if higher

Additional info: The syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of course structure, policies, and expectations, but does not include detailed content for each chemistry chapter. Students should refer to the textbook and Moodle for chapter-specific study materials and practice problems.